A Walking Tour of Historic Charleston, SC

One of my favorite things about Charleston is how easy it is to walk or bike to all of the gorgeous sights. Similar to Europe, the emphasis on historic preservation has ensured that the city maintains its original charm including the colorful, seaside row houses.

On our first morning, we set out to explore from our home base at Zero George, a gorgeous boutique hotel you can see more of here. After a delicious breakfast at Poogan's Porch, we walked the short distance to East Bay Street to find the famous Rainbow Row, a series of thirteen colorful historic homes. Then we walked a few blocks down to Waterfront Park to find the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

According to Charleston Mag, one of the pineapple's many associations with Charleston stems from the custom of early sea captains who would spear a pineapple at the entrance of their home to signify that they had returned safely from their trading expeditions and the home was open for visitors. Today, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and welcome, which can be found in the decor around the city.

I certainly felt welcome in this southern city and found myself dreaming of what it would be like to live in one these gorgeous homes. As we walked along Waterfront Park, we also found a stunning view of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and fisherman leisurely fishing from the docks of the Charleston harbor. I wish I lived this close to the water so that I could get my daily dose of the sea breeze.